Closure for a plurality of different sized openings

ABSTRACT

A multi function device, adapted to be employed as a closure member for wide diameter containers by virtue of an outer rim and narrow diameter containers by virtue of an inner rim. The cover surface extends upward and can provide a partial vacuum seal. The cover surface is designed for aerodynamic stability and the device can be thrown with a spinning motion for gliding effects. Also, two of the devices can be combined to form a string wound amusement device.

I United States Patent 1191 Bart [ CLOSURE FOR A PLURALITY OF DIFFERENTSIZED OPENINGS [76] Inventor: Philip D. Bart, 27 Keith Dr.,

Monsey, N.Y. 10952 22 Filed: Jan. 26, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 220,859

52 us. (:1 220/212 30 ,35 215/228, 319 [5'1] niifci. B656 43/10 58 Field61 Search 220/60 R, 60 A, 42 A, 69,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,629,202 2/1953 Stivers eta1. 46/61 2,831,613 4/1958 Soffer 220/60 R 3,089,605 5/1963 Buonauro220/69 Hansen 220/60 R [45] NOV. 26, 1974 3,189,072 6/1965 Starr 220/60R 3,332,572 7/1967 Green 220/60 R 3,355,061 11/1967 Ritter 220/60 RPrimary Examiner- William 1. Price Assistant Examiner-Steven M. PollardAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Daniel M. Rosen 5 7 ABSTRACT A multi functiondevice, adapted to be employed as a closure member for wide diametercontainers by virtue of an outer rim and narrow diameter containers byvirtue of an inner rim. The cover surface extends upward and can providea partial vacuum seal. The cover surface is designed for aerodynamicstability and the device can be thrown with a spinning motion forgliding effects. Also, two of the devices can be combined to form astring wound amusement device.

1 Claim, 8 Drawing Figures PATENI rxuvzs 1914 I SHEET 2 OF 2 CLOSURE FORA PLURALITY OF DIFFERENT SIZED OPENINGS This invention relatesprincipally to closure devices,

and more specifically to closure devices for a variety of conventionalcontainer openings. In addition, the invention relates to a closuredevice which can have other functions which increase the commericalapplication of the invention. Particularly, the device of this inventioncan be employed as a toy, of the type which permits the device to bethrown with a spinning motion such that it will exhibit aerodynamicallystable characteristics. Further, the device of the present invention canbe combined with a second device to form a string wound amusementdevice.

Prior art closure devices suffer from the disadvantages of lack of broadscale utility. That is, they were limited to one size of container, suchas a bottle, and are difficult to remove without the use of flaps or thelike. Further, the newest type of containers, such as the so calledpop-top" or ring tab opened cans, do not provide for convenient closure.Those devices which are adaptable to various diameter containers areinvariably cumbersome to use or involve a relatively expensive form ofmechanical adjustability, or too bulky to permit stacking, as in cans orthe like.

Further, since such prior art devices which are employable as closuresoften form part of household equipment, it would be desirable for such adevice to have broader appeal within a household. One example is toconstruct the device as a toy or amusement mechanism, since the mostcommon form of overlapping market found in a single consumer or consumerhousehold is both the houseware or convenience appliance market. and theamusement or toy area, particularly where the appeal is to relativelyyoung children.

Accordingly, it is the prime object of the invention to provide a novelmulti function device which will have both a household utility and anappeal as an amusement device.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide a novel closuredevice adaptable for a variety of closure diameters, particularly themost popular size of both bottle and can containers.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel closuredevice adaptable to fit a variety of closure diameters within a firmseal, partially vacuum.

It is still further object of the invention to provide a novel closuredevice for a wide diameter can type container which will permitstacking.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel closuredevice which can be easily and simply manufactured out of one moldedunit.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a novel closuredevice which can also provide amusement.

The foregoing objects are realized by a multifunction device formed witha cover portion having an outer rim integrally formed with the cover forengaging a wide diameter container, such as a can, and an inner rimenclosed within the outer rim and integral with the cover for engaging anarrower diameter container, such as a bottle, Each of the rims dependextend downward from the cover, and each is provided with an inwardlyextending portion. The downward and inward extension may be generallyrounded in integral form as an inwardly directed curved surface. Therims are preferably concentric, and a third rim may be provided forspecial container shapes. The cover extends upward, to providedeflection space for creating a partial vacuum seal. Further, the coveris designed for aerodynamic stability so as to provide amusement as atoy capable of aerodynamic flight when thrown with a spinning motion.Also, two such devices can be combined to form a string wound toy.

The foregoing object and brief description, as well as further features,objects and advantages, will become more apparent from the followingmore detailed description and appended drawings, wherein FIG. 1 is aperspective view of the novel device of the present invention,

FIG. 2 illustrates a side plan view thereof,

FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view thereof,

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view showing the device inaccordance with the present invention as affixed to a can typecontainer,

FIG. 5 describes a cross sectional view of the device in accordance withthe present invention as affixed to a narrower diameter container suchas a bottle,

FIG. 6 an alternative embodiment of the present invention illustratingin sectional view the manner wherein the device is more firmly affixedto a wide diameter container,

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment for a less common form of cantype, and

FIG. 8 shows one manner wherein the present invention is employed as anamusement device.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like reference numerals indicate likecomponents, the multi functional device 10 in accordance with theinvention is shown. With particular reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, itis seen that the device is constructed with an outer rim l2 and an innerrim 14 formed as part of a cover member 16. The inner and outer rims areeach formed so as to depend or extend downwardly, as shown, from thecover member 16. The construction of the device includes a first coverportion 18 into which the outer rim l2 depends, and a second coverportion 20, into which the inner rim l8 depends. The second coverportion surface 20 as shown protrudes through the otherwise continuoussurface of cover portion 18.

It will be understood that the second cover portion 20 and the firstcover portion 18 may actually be a uniformly continuous surface,however, the construction shown is preferred for reasons which willbecome more apparent from the following description.

The cover 16 is provided with an elevation 22 relative to the planedefined by a horizontal line 24 connecting the upper part of the outerrim 12. A similar elevation, not shown, can be designed into the secondcover portion 20 relative to the plane defined by a horizontal line 28connecting the upper part of the inner rim 14, however, the coverportion 20 can be fiat, or otherwise coincide with the horizontal planeline 28, as is shown.

Surrounding the inner lower edge of the outer rim 12 is an inwardlyextending bead or rib portion 30. A similar inwardly extending bead orrib portion 32 is formed on the inner lower edge of the inner rim 14.These beads can be added, but are preferably formed when the entirecover is formed. The rims can blend into the ribs with an inwardlydirected continuous radius of curvature, or merely depend from or extenddown from the cover with the inner bead, as shown, extending inwardlyorthogonally from the downward portion.

The second cover portion is preferably concentric within the first coverportion 18, both having a common center representing the point ofgreatest elevation above a common surface beneath.

The device is preferably integrally molded of a suitably resilient orflexible plastic material, such as is well known.

Although not shown, as in FIG. 3, the cover portion 20 can be thicker incross section then the cover portion 18. The intent is that the coverportion 20 show less resiliency than the portion 18. However, it will beapparent that less resiliency can be achieved by using less resilientmaterial, reinforcement or the like, although the expense of manufacturemay be increased by use of the latter techniques. The purpose of a lessflexible inner portion will be explained in further detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the device is shown in cross sectioninstalled on a bottle type container and a can type containerrespectively. In each case, the cover 16 is constructed with anelevation placing the center of the device in the approximate center ofthe container at the greatest elevation above the top plane of thecontainer. With regard to the bottle connect, the inner rim 14 of thecover member 18 is press fit over the neck of the bottle 34. The innerrim 14 and its associated bead portion 32 will conform to the radius ofcurvature of the bottle neck exterior and extend therealong. A slightradius of curvature to the inner surface ofthe rim l4 assures firmcontact. Contact between the outer surface of the bottle neck thusoccurs at a point 36 and again at a point determined by the bead 32.Tension is maintained by the bead 32 against the natural resilience ofthe material of the inner rim 14 and the cover portion 20. The dualcontact further provides additional security in contact over that of thenormal inner shape of curvature of the inner rim 14 without the bead 32.Also, formation of a slight air space provides some additionalinsulation value. The large extending edge represented by the coverportion 18 and outer rim 12 provide a convenient lever to facilitateease of removing the cover from the bottle. In addition, where the coverportion 20 is provided with slight elevation over the horizontal planeof the bottle top, it will be seen that downward pressure applied to thetop of the cover portion 20, as by a thumb or like pressure, will resultin a partial deformation of the cover portion resulting in slightmovement of the bead 32 away from the side of the bottle. As a result ofthe movement of the bead 32 away from the side of the bottle, removed ofthe cover member 16 from the bottle is further facilitated.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the cover member 16 is shown affixed to the endof a can type container. The can, illustrated generally as 38, is of aconventional form whereas the sides are linear and terminate in a seamedlip or upper rim '40. It is understood that the opening in the can topbe either of the pull-tab variety or of the circumferentially slitopening type. In engagement, the cover member 16 is press fit over thetop of the can 38 such that the head 30 slides past the seam or upperrim 40. The natural resiliency of the cover portion 18 will cause thebead 30 to engage the side wall of the cover 38 in friction engagement,resulting in closure. By applying further closure pressure to the covermember 16, air is forced out from the interior space between the covermember and the can top. If a sufficiently tight seal has been formedbetween the outer rim l2 and the bead 30, a partial vacuum is createdbetween the covermember and can top, thereby further increasing theclosure pressure.

When it is desired to remove the cover member, pressure is again appliedto the cover portion, but now the pressure is applied until partialdeformation of the rim 12 is achieved, forcing the bead 30 away from thecan side wall. The partial vacuum seal is thus broken, and the cover maybe easily removed.

As an alternative, shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to form the bead inthe outer rim as a spiral thread for threaded engagement with a threadedcan top. Also, if the thread gauge is wide, a threaded top can engage aconventional can top.

In FIG. 7, a further embodiment is illustrated of a cover member whichcan be employed to secure either a standard linear can or a shoulder cancontainer. For ease of illustration, FIG. 7 shows how the cover canengage with either type. In this embodiment, the cover is shown with aflatter top portion, with much less taper than that of FIG. 2. Theflatter cover allows stacking of covered containers to be more easilyfacilitated. In the first type of container 42 the can side is linearand terminates in a seamed lip upper rim 44, as shown. The second cantype 46 employs a shoulder 48 wherein the can side projects slightlyinward before terminating in the seamed lip 50 on the upper rim. Sincethe present invention relies upon a friction fit over the seamed lip,the cover herein employs a third rim 52, preferably concentric with thefirst and second rims 54 and 56, and positioned as shown therebetweenbut closer to the outer rim. In position, the cover can be set atop theshouldered type of container with its additional rim 52 fittably mountedover the shouldered can top. The additional outer rim 56 permits thecover to retain its desired shape since the outermost rim can now clearthe shoulder portion of the can. The cover can also be fit over thenormal or linear side can since the outer rim 56 of the cover remainsfully effective for engagement.

As shown in the cross sectional view, the downward and inwardlyextending rim portion of the additional rim 52 is constructed as thefirst and second rims 54 and 56 which are intended to correspond tothose shown above in connection with the prior Figures.

In all of the foregoing embodiments the outer surface of the cover isround, as shown in FIG. 1, with a downwardly extending outer rim. Also,each type, that of FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, possesses a slight taper. As aresult, the cover can be thrown or hurled with a spinning motion,thereby giving rise to an aerodynamically movable mechanism which willpossess a sufficient glide characteristic to be controlled in suchflight by angle or toss, degree of spin, degree of toss, etc. Byproviding the cover device with such aerodynamic characteristics, whileretaining its function as a multi container width cover, an additionalutility is provided greatly enhancing the desirability of the device.

Referring to FIG. 8, a further utility is shown. In FIG. 8, two of thecover devices can be combined to form an amusement device of the stringwound variety. In this embodiment, a single outer rim is shown, and thecover has the flatter top. As shown, a first cover member 58 and secondcover member 60 are juxtaposed with a spacing 62 therebetween. Thespacing is fixed by means of an insert 64 which fits into an additionalconcentric set of rims 66 which may be integrally molded into theinnermost rim sets 54 of the respective covers 58 and 60. The insert 64is preferably of a rigid plastic material and is shaped at either end tocorrespond to the shape of the insert plug, thereby enabling the covermembers 58 and 60 to be frictionally engaged onto the insert 64 in thesame manner as the fit of the cover member over the bottle top asdescribed above.

The insert includes facing plates 70 and 72 defining the spacing 62.Between the facing plates and on the insert is wound a string 74. Thecompleted device is then operative as a string wound toy, such as issometimes referred to as a yo-yo. Obviously either embodiment, that ofFIG. 1 or FIG. 7 or combinations, could be thus employed.

Other variations and uses for this multi function cover can bedemonstrated to be within the skill of the art.

Since certain changes and modifications can be readily entered into inthe practice of the present invention without departing substantiallyfrom its intended spirit or scope, it is to be fully understood that allof the foregoing description and specification be interpreted andconstrued as being merely illustrative of the invention and in no senseor manner as being limiting or restrictive thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A closure member, for use with a plurality of different sized rimmedopenings, comprising a cover portion, a first closure portion extendingdownward from said cover portion and including an inwardly extending ribportion for frictionally engaging one of said rimmed openings, a secondclosure portion extending downings.

1. A closure member, for use with a plurality of different sized rimmedopenings, comprising a cover portion, a first closure portion extendingdownward from said cover portion and including an inwardly extending ribportion for frictionally engaging one of said rimmed openings, a secondclosure portion extending downward from said cover portion and includingan inwardly extending rib portion for frictionally engaging anothersized one of said rimmed openings, said first closure portion beingrelatively narrower than said second closure portion and concentricallypositioned within said second closure portion of said cover portion, anda third closure portion, concentrically positioned relative to saidfirst and second closure portions, extending downwardly from said secondclosure portion and including an inwardly extending rib portion forfrictionally engaging another sized one of said rimmed openings.